The Red Fort, Delhi, India

Listed since 2007 as a World Heritage Site, this important location is also referred to as Lal Qil’ah or Lal Qila (Red Fort). Considered to be amongst the most important historical sites in India , these buildings capture the essence of passing time and a long period of history and art in Indian culture.

The Red Fort and city of Shahjahanabad were constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in the years between 1638 and 1648. The general planning and indeed, the attention to detail, confirm that this period of history, the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan, was when Mughal creativity was at its height.

The Red Fort was built as the palace for the Emperor’s new capital Shahjahanabad and it became the 7^th Muslim city in the Delhi site. Shah Jahan moved his capital to Delhi from Agra as he believed it would enhance his personal prestige, together with allowing for expansion of his eleborate building schemes.

This popular tourist destination lies along the Yamuna River which supplied water for the moats. The complex has two main gates principally the impressive Lahore Gate, which is situated facing towards Lahore and also Delhi Gate looking towards Delhi . Many additions were made to the fort’s complex following the original construction by the Emperor.

Visitors to the Red Fort will enjoy numerous buildings inside the fort including a pavilion for public Imperial audiences, private Imperial apartments, women’s quarters, private mosque and formal gardens.  At one time the complex was inhabited by in excess of 3000 people.

Bahadur Shah II “Zafar” was the last Mughal Emperor to occupy the fort. Today the current Prime Minister addresses the nation from the Red Fort on the 15^th August each year, being the day that finally achieved independence from the British in 1947.

The Red Fort opens daily with the exception of Mondays from sunrise until sunset. The site of these fascinating monuments remains a firm favourite with visiting tourists and a “must see” on your list of places of interest in India.